Small classes are good for students:
o
More opportunity to cater for diversity and
difference
o
Greater engagement in learning
o
Better monitoring of student progress
o
Earlier diagnosis of student difficulty
o
A reduction in bullying
o
Higher levels of physical safety
o
More immediate rewards for achievement
o
Students are more likely to be ‘on-task'
o
Test results improve
o
Group work is more easily managed
o
More opportunity for student interactions
o
Improved attendance figures
o
Students are more positive about themselves
o
It is easier to maintain a good physical learning
environment
o
Students in smaller high school classes are more
likely to graduate from school
Small classes are good for
schools:
o
Increased capacity to offer curriculum options
o
Students more positive about school
o
Lower rates of school vandalism
o
More effective use of limited classroom resources
o
Parents more likely to be involved
o
Easier to maintain a good physical learning
environment
o
Noise levels are lower
Small classes are good for
teachers:
o
More engaged in professional development
o
More engaged in school reforms
o
Less stressed
o
Absenteeism & illness reduced
o
More accountable
o
Morale is better
o
Retention is improved
o
Group work more easily managed
From http://ppta.org.nz/index.php/-issues-in-education/class-size?showall=1
